International travelers could soon be greeted by lie-detecting robot kiosks before crossing the border.

The system, known as the Automated Virtual Agent for Truth Assessment in Real Time, has already begun tests with the Canadian Border Services Agency, and it's hoped this can soon help agents screen for criminals and even potential terrorists.

The robot uses eye-detection software along with an array of sensors to pick up on the physiological signs that indicate a person is lying, and once it becomes suspicious, it can flag the passenger for further inspection.

The system, known as the Automated Virtual Agent for Truth Assessment in Real Time, has already begun tests with the Canadian Border Services Agency, and it's hoped this can soon help agents screen for criminals and even potential terrorists

HOW IT WORKS

Once a traveler steps up to the kiosk, they will be asked a series of questions, such as: ‘Do you have fruits or vegetables in your luggage?’ or ‘Are you carrying any weapons with you?’

While this is happening, AVATAR uses eye-detection software and motion and pressure sensors to track any signs of lying or discomfort.

To separate the liars from those who are just nervous about flying, it will also ask a number of innocuous baseline questions.

AVATAR was first revealed in 2012 by researchers at the University of Arizona.

Since then, the system has become far more advanced, with additional sensors, and the ability to analyze more data.

According to the team it is polite and bilingual – and unlike a human, it won’t need to take a break.

‘AVATAR is a kiosk, much like an airport check-in or grocery store self-checkout kiosk,’ said Aaron Elkins, a management information systems professor at San Diego State University, who began work on the device as a PhD student at the University of Arizona.

‘However, this kiosk has a face on the screen that asks questions of travelers and can detect changes in physiology and behaviour during the interview.

‘The system can detect changes in the eyes, voice, gestures, and posture to determine potential risk. It can even tell when you’re curling your toes.’

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Once a traveler steps up to the kiosk, they will be asked a series of questions, such as: ‘Do you have fruits or vegetables in your luggage?’ or ‘Are you carrying any weapons with you?’

While this is happening, AVATAR uses eye-detection software and motion and pressure sensors to track any signs of lying or discomfort.

To separate the liars from those who are just nervous about flying, it will also ask a number of innocuous baseline questions.

The robot uses eye-detection software along with an array of sensors to pick up on the physiological signs that could indicate a person is lying. A virtual person called Elvis - complete with slick black hair (left), was revealed in 2012

According to the researchers, AVATAR’s possible applications are widespread.

‘We’ve come to realize that this can be used not just for border security, but also for law enforcement, job interviews, and other human resource applications as well,’ Elkins said.

‘We continue to make improvements, such as analyzing the collected data using Big Data analysis techniques that make AVATAR a potentially valuable tool across many industries.’

Moving forward, they’re working to find a government agency that will integrate the technology for real-world tests.

‘AVATAR has been tested in labs, in airports, and at border crossing stations,’ Elkins said.

‘The system is fully ready for implementation to help stem the flow of contraband, thwart fleeing criminals, and detect potential terrorists and many other applications in the effort to secure international borders.’